Obama caves in to conservative Senators Conrad/Gregg. Now backs "bi-partisan" budget commission

[Better Believe It]

This proposal is undemocratic because if the Conrad/Gregg bill is passed by Congress, the commission can and will in all likelihood will make recommendations for cuts in "entitlement" programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, and the House/Senate will only be permitted to have an up and down vote on the commission proposals. The commission will hold closed door meetings (so much for transparency), amendments won't be allowed to their proposals, congressional hearings on their proposals won't be permitted and only a straight up and down vote can be held in the House and Senate on the commissions proposals for entitlement cuts and possible tax increases for working people.

Better Believe It




Under pressure, Obama backs fiscal commission
From CNN's Ed Henry, Dana Bash, John King
January 23, 2010

Washington (CNN) - In a dramatic concession to senior Democratic and Republican lawmakers, President Obama abruptly shifted his position Saturday and declared his public support for creating a fiscal commission that could propose sweeping tax increases and spending cuts to try to slash the soaring federal debt.

The White House released an unexpected written statement from Obama saying he now backs putting together a powerful commission created through a federal statute, a reversal from earlier this week when Vice President Joe Biden signaled in a private meeting with Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.Dakota, and other key lawmakers that the administration would only support a weaker version of the commission by forming it through an executive order.

"The only way to solve our long-term fiscal challenges is to solve it together – Democrats and Republicans," Obama said in the written statement. "That's why I strongly support legislation currently under consideration to create a bipartisan, fiscal commission to come up with a set of solutions to tackle our nation's fiscal challenges – and call on Senators from both parties to vote for the creation of a statutory, bipartisan fiscal commission."

Conrad applauded Obama's decision in a written statement.

"The president is demonstrating exactly the kind of leadership we need to tackle our nation's long-term fiscal challenges," Conrad said. "His support shows that he is determined to do what is necessary to put us back on a sound long-term course."

The Conrad-Gregg legislation would create a commission with 10 Democrats (eight members of Congress and two Obama officials) and eight Republicans (all from the House and Senate). It would have several months in 2010 to study the problem and then vote after the midterm elections on a reform package that could include dramatic tax hikes and spending cuts. If 14 of the 18 members approve the package, giving it a bipartisan nod, it would force an automatic up-or-down vote in the House and Senate on whether to implement the recommendations.

Such recommendations could include cuts to popular programs like Social Security and Medicare, which is why some liberals are opposed to formation of the commission; or proposals to drastically raise taxes to make up for budget shortfalls, which is why some conservatives have blasted the idea.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/01/23/under-pressure-obama-backs-fiscal-commission/

--------------------------------------------------



President Obama endorses bipartisan deficit-reduction panel
By Michael A. Fletcher
January 24, 2010

Bowing to the concerns of senators of both political parties, President Obama endorsed legislation Saturday that would create a bipartisan commission to develop a plan to address the nation's soaring budget deficits.

Obama previously had urged that a presidential fiscal panel be created. But some senators were concerned that such a panel would have limited authority, preferring instead a statutory commission empowered to force a deficit-reduction plan through Congress by year's end.

"We not only need to change how we pay for policies, but we also need to change how Washington works," Obama said in a statement. "The only way to solve our long-term fiscal challenge is to solve it together -- Democrats and Republicans."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/23/AR2010012302429.html

-------------------------------------------



AARP opposes fiscal commission
By Jordan Fabian
January 24, 2010

The influential seniors group AARP late Saturday voiced its opposition to the fiscal commission backed by President Barack Obama.

In a statement, AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond said that the commission could make cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. The former two are large entitlement programs for people over the age of 65.

"AARP is disappointed by the Obama Administration's support for a provision that would likely result in significant reductions to the Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid programs - affecting millions of Americans - without the benefit of full and open debate by accountable Members of Congress," LeaMond said.

The group's opposition also may impact the form of the commission. The White House and senior Democrats have reportedly reached a deal to create a commission by executive order should Congress not pass a bill creating one.

But Senate Budget Committee ranking member Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) has said that an executive commission would lack proper authority to make changes while chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) has said it is better than nothing.

The Senate is slated to vote on the commission this week, but it is unclear whether or not it has the votes to pass.

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/77683-aarp-opposes-fiscal-commission

Contact your Senators and Representative and urge them to vote against this conservative bi-partisan proposal for entitlement cuts and higher taxes for working people. The commission (which will probably be made up mostly of millionaires) certainly won't propose "soaking the rich".

[xchrom]

1. Recommend -- Obama never met a conservative he didn't emulate. Nt

[amborin]

24. starting w/ Ronald Reagan, who detested medicare, and whose ideas Obama praised n/t

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

31. Link?

[Political Heretic]

64. Here, even though I'm certain your request is disingenuous:

http://openleft.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3263

[DJ13]

2. Im seriously wondering if my vote for Obama was a vote for a conservative

This sounds more Republican than Democrat to me.

[JanMichael]

18. Bingo! He ran with a cloak of progressivism but beneath...

...is a "moderate" conservative and not a liberal in any sense.

[depakid]

3. Ask yourselves what Republicans would do if the shoe was on the other foot

It's becoming clearer and clear that Obama simply wasn't the right kind of guy for the job under the current conditions. The guy's more suited to being a diplomat than a leader or an advocate.

[Foo Fighter]

15. Slight correction.

He's more suited to being a sellout than a leader.

[depakid]

29. I wouldn't say that at all

It's just that he's more comfortable and practiced at being a conciliator and consensus builder than an advocate. And the times don't call for a diplomat on the domestic front.

Here you've got one party taken over by destructive nutters who'll take the nation into third world status (or worse) without a second thought through devotion to their failed ideology (and their irrational hatred Obama & progressives)- AND complicit and corrupt members of your own caucus (who in fact do sell out).

These are not people amenable to reason- and the quicker the administration gets that their approach is a loser under such circumstances, the better off everyone will be.

[Terra Alta]

4. where is the hope and change

I voted for in 2008? Come on, Obama, caving in to conservatives will get you nowhere(except back to Chicago in 2012). Grow some balls and start acting like a Democrat!

[Greyhound]

40. It's our fault. It wasn't hope and change, it was hope for change, as in spare change.

Silly Americans, will they ever learn?

[RedCloud]

54. Some low hangers to frighten those teabaggers away!

[laughingliberal]

5. "Such recommendations could include cuts to popular programs like Social Security and Medicare,"

Kiss the SS and Medicare goodbye.

[bobbolink]

16. Could you please include a bye-bye wave for people like me?

Just so we know that we may be missed just a little?

[laughingliberal]

25. Sure but I'm done for, too if this comes down the way I think it will. nt

[glinda]

28. me too. all I can get in the future is a small amount from SS and then be eligible for medicare

I have no retirement.

[clr]

6. Higher taxes for working people

At a time like this, that is the last thing many want especially when he campaigned that it would not happen. Did Obama plan to be just one term? Wait...he must be "playing chess" again. :eyes:

[bobbolink]

19. Welcome to DU!!

:toast: :party: :bounce::toast: :party: :bounce::toast: :party: :bounce::toast: :party: :bounce::toast: :party: :bounce::toast: :party: :bounce:

And screw the damned chess! :hi:

[clr]

62. Thank you!

I've been a long time lurker and thought it's about time I participate :)

[midnight]

7. K&R.

[Better Believe It]

8. Progressives Issue "Warning" On Debt Commission

US Sen. Voinovich: Obama Backs Debt Commission; Votes A Concern
January 20, 2010

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- A Republican senator says President Barack Obama would like Congress to create a bipartisan commission to address the federal deficit, but is worried there aren't enough votes for the idea.

Sen. George Voinovich (R., Ohio), a longtime proponent of the commission proposal, met Obama at the White House Tuesday to discuss budget issues.

Speaking to reporters after the session, Voinovich said Obama will have to act on his own if lawmakers don't form a commission. He didn't detail Obama's options, but one frequently-discussed idea would be to create a commission through an executive order.

"If we're unable to do it in the Congress, then he has to do what he has to do in order to deal with this problem," Voinovich said. "My observation is that politics is trumping what's in the best interest of our nation."

"There's no one who cares as much about this as our president," Voinovich said. "The real issue is how do we tackle the issue of extending the debt limit and at the same time address the issue of this unacceptable, nonsustainable growing national debt that we have and the budgets we have that are not being balanced."

Obama's "main concern is whether or not there is support for a bipartisan commission," said Voinovich, who is not running for re-election this year. "If he doesn't get some kind of consensus on a commission, then he's going to have to move forward to do something as an alternative to address the problem that I believe would not be as successful as if we could do it on a bipartisan basis."

http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-news-story.aspx?storyid=201001191330dowjonesdjonline000385&title=us-senvoinovichobama-backs-debt-commissionvotes-a-concern

----------------------------------------------

AARP Urges Defeat of Binding Debt-Reduction Proposals
CQ TODAY
January 14, 2010

The powerful AARP lobby on Thursday called on senators to defeat a proposal to create a debt-fighting commission, as well as any plan to put the “pay-as-you-go” budget rules into law.

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad , D-N.D., and ranking Republican Judd Gregg of New Hampshire are championing the proposal to create a debt commission composed of members of Congress and administration officials. The commission would recommend spending cuts, tax increases or both to rein in the long-term growth in government debt, and Congress would have to vote on the recommendations, up or down without amendments.

Conrad and Gregg say such an approach is the only way to get Congress to pass politically dangerous cuts to programs such as Social Security, or equally unpopular tax increases.

Read the full article at:

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=cqmidday-000003278955

-----------------------------------------------------

Progressives Issue "Warning" On Debt Commission

By Bill Scher
January 20, 2010

Earlier today, progressive leaders representing more than 50 organizations declared their opposition to the Conrad-Gregg debt commission proposal, which is expected to be introduced on the Senate floor soon as part of the bill to allow our federal government to meet its obligations by raising the debt ceiling.
The commission as originally envisioned -- with the power to prevent any amendments to its recommendations on the House and Senate floors -- is expected to be defeated by the full Senate. But the minority of pro-austerity, anti-Social Security/Medicare senators has threatened to force the entire US government into default if a compromise isn't reached that satisfies them.
Reports of a possible compromise were published today, but details were sketchy.

At today's press conference, Campaign for America's Future Co-director Roger Hickey said the united progressive front "can been taken as a warning" for any proposal that undemocratically subverts the normal legislative process and recklessly targets Social Security and Medicare.

Speakers at the conference were willing to wait and see what compromise is reached before passing judgment. Hickey drew a line, explaining that "a forum to talk about deficits is one thing," but "if it's undemocratic ... or focused on illegitimate targets like Social Security" which is not contributing to any long-term fiscal problem, then the White House and congressional leaders can expect tough criticism.

While right-leaning Democrats can be expected to cite the support Massachusetts independents gave to the conservative Senate candidate as reason to push drastic austerity, Gerald Shea of the AFL-CIO emphasized that deep cuts are "wrongheaded in the present atmosphere" when voters are demanding "attention to the jobs crisis." Further, Barbara Kennelly of the National Committee to Protect Social Security added that seniors are deeply afraid of Social Security being raided and are tired to being seen as the nation's "piggy bank."

http://www.ourfuture.org/blog-entry/2010010320/progressives-issue-warning-debt-commission

[Imajika]

12. Many from both parties oppose this...

Democrats fear it would making cutting entitlements too easy. Republicans fear it would make raising taxes too easy.

Obama feels pressured to sign on to this because the deficit/debt has become an important issue for voters.

[laughingliberal]

26. Yet, he promised to raise taxes on the wealhy duing the campaign

I would think he could start by fulfilling that campaign promise and then see where we are. NO effing cuts to social programs until the idle rich are paying their share.

[DJ13]

32. willing to wait and see what compromise is reached before passing judgment

Thats how bad things happen.

This 'lets wait and see before we criticize' just allows the decision to be made with the cover of a phony criticism to be made as a CYA when its too late to stop it.

[vssmith]

44. Under Clinton we arrived at a budget surplus but

after 8 years under Republican rule that surplus evaporated and now Conservatives want to solve it on the backs of the middle class.

[leftstreet]

9. K&R

[blues90]

10. May they find their own hell !

I contacted my reps like that will do any good since it has never in the past. One of them supports this insane commission , Feinstein.

We have no voice. This over the years has been made clear to anyone who has been paying attention.

We either revolt or we lose, it's as simple as that. I am not holding my breath on that one.

Thank all who voting in another corporate shill as president who will do the corporate bidding yet pretend he actually cares.

As long as the people allow the political parties to pick the candidates for us and tell us choose between the lessor of two evils then we have no choice other than to band together as americans left and right and when the voting day comes along no one votes and demand better candidates.

This has gone on too long and it's up to the people to put and end to it. If not we are sunk.

We don't get to vote on wars or advisors , what we get is what they choose for us. That is not a choice or a vote , it's a political game and we become the ones who lose.

What the people got was a choice between imbedded politicians or a fellow who had absolutley no experience other than a grand speach and I don;t give a damn what color of skin he has that is not the issue.

How many decades of presidents does it take to realize we get screwed because they make the picks and where has this gotten us , right here in a hell on earth.

tell me one time you can recall where a promise was kept that actually helped the average working class hero? Just one, that's all I'm looking for .

[johnaries]

11. KKKarl Rove would be proud of your spin.

First of all, there is nothing "undemocratic" about this. After the commission makes recommendations, Congress votes on it. What's un democratic about that?

Secondly, it is a truly bi-partisan, although tilted to Democrats: "10 Democrats (eight members of Congress and two Obama officials) and eight Republicans (all from the House and Senate), and requires 14 out of 18 votes in the commission before it can be sent to Congress.

And Obama is not "caving to Conservatives", he's talked about reducing the deficit all along.

Remember, increasing the deficit was a Neo-Con plan. Have you "caved" to the Neo-Cons? I didn't think so. Then by trying to find ways to reduce the deficit, how can you say Obama has "caved" to Conservatives?

[Bobbie Jo]

17. Indeed.

Some here are becoming quite skilled with the spin. It's almost like the on-line version of Faux "News."

[Name removed]

22. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[donco6]

23. Geez, talk about spin.

The Neo-Cons increased the deficit by reducing taxes on the wealthy. Now this Commission is going to fix it by cutting social programs. You really don't see a problem with that?

[Marr]

34. No kidding. Accepting this idea as an option for

deficit reduction when we're hemorrhaging money on foreign occupations, reduced taxes on the wealthy, and corporate bailouts is absolutely ridiculous.

This isn't about cutting entitlements to reduce the deficit, it's just about cutting entitlements.

[Political Heretic]

65. Exactly.

[JDPriestly]

36. The average Social Security benefit is $1,064 per month.

How can any person propose cutting that?

There is nothing to cut. There is no fat in the Social Security budget. None. Nada.

The problem is the outsourcing, not payments to the impoverished elderly.

[Political Heretic]

66. The problem is decades of lack of revenue generation.

There's nothing "unsustainable" about programs like social security of medicare except that they have been systematically defunded by politicians for years and years.

[JDPriestly]

38. The average Social Security benefit is $1,064 per month.

How can any person propose cutting that?

There is nothing to cut. There is no fat in the Social Security budget. None. Nada.

The problem is the outsourcing, not payments to the impoverished elderly.

[inna]

42. No, Rove would be proud of YOUR spin. What a ridiculous post.

:thumbsdown:

[Better Believe It]

46. How is this undemocratic? You gotta be kidding.

"First of all, there is nothing "undemocratic" about this. After the commission makes recommendations, Congress votes on it. What's un democratic about that?"

No public House or Senate hearings will be allowed where organizations and individuals can present their opinions on the legislation and the proposals can be debated.

Amendments to the commissions proposals will not be allowed.

The commissions meetings will be held behind closed doors with the public and media excluded.

Isn't that undemocratic?

Is that how you think all legislative proposals ought to be handled in Congress.

[MadHound]

60. You don't fucking balance the goddamn books by killing off the poor and elderly

You don't balance the fucking books by taking the hard earned money that they paid into the system away.

You don't balance the books by continuing to cut social programs after they've already been cut to the bone by the previous presidents (Bush, Clinton, Bush, Reagan).

You want to balance the fucking books then you go out and end these goddamn illegal, immoral wars that are sucking our country dry, that's what you do.

Instead, Obama is caving, he is doing exactly the same things that Democrats like you would decry if, oh say Bush were doing it.

And yes, having a commission meet in secret, made of only eighteen people, making recommendations on what to cut, then take this whole mess before Congress and vote on it, up or down, no amendments, no debate, yes, that's undemocratic.

[msongs]

13. well there certainly won't be substantial cuts to the military/industrial welfare scams nt

[lib_wit_it]

20. If only you were wrong. That's long been my greatest hope, however, I have but a scrap of it left.

[bobbolink]

14. Can those of us who will be done in by this have funerals now?

Its a given there will be no protests on our behalf.

[katsy]

63. No.

We can't even afford a dignified end.

[Vidar]

21. He can't resist an opportunity to pander to the right.

[democracy1st]

27. K & R

[donheld]

30. Chump change

Sorry this is not what I voted for

[Marr]

33. "Caves in"? I don't think anyone believes that bullshit anymore.

The Democratic Party's leadership might've been able to get away with that excuse for pushing anti-middle class policy when they were the minority, but it's ludicrous to still use that kind of talk when they control both houses of Congress *and* the Presidency.

Obama is pushing for this commission because *he* wants to cut these programs. Period.

[EmeraldCityGrl]

37. Just last week he said he wasn't going to touch SS...

A Sr. stood up and asked him directly at his fight, fight, fight speech.

This is the last straw for me.

[Marr]

41. Yep-- like Healthcare, he'll be careful not to put any fingerprints on it.

They push a corporatist agenda and think nobody will blame them for it if they put a "bipartisan" label on it. They think it's 1993 or something.

[vssmith]

45. Does that mean he will veto any such attempts?

[JDPriestly]

35. I contacted my senators last week.

Ask them to create jobs, not cut Social Security.

Social Security benefits, December 2009
Type of beneficiary Beneficiaries Total monthly benefits (millions of dollars) Average monthly benefit (dollars) Number
(thousands) Percent
All beneficiaries 52,523 100.0 55,906 1,064.40
Old-Age Insurance
Retired workers 33,513 63.8 39,020 1,164.30
Spouses 2,343 4.5 1,345 574.20
Children 561 1.1 320 570.30
Survivors Insurance
Widow(er)s and parents a 4,329 8.2 4,759 1,099.40
Widowed mothers and father 160 0.3 135 841.60
Children 1,921 3.7 1,436 747.40
Disability Insurance
Disabled workers 7,789 14.8 8,290 1,064.30
Spouses 159 0.3 46 287.10
Children 1,749 3.3 556 318.00
SOURCE: Social Security Administration, Master Beneficiary Record, 100 percent data.
NOTES: Data are for the end of the specified month. Only beneficiaries in current-payment status are included.
Some Social Security beneficiaries are entitled to more than one type of benefit. In most cases, they are dually entitled to a worker benefit and a higher spouse or widow(er) benefit. If both benefits are financed from the same trust fund, the beneficiary is usually counted only once in the statistics, as a retired-worker or a disabled-worker beneficiary, and the benefit amount recorded is the larger amount associated with the auxiliary benefit. If the benefits are paid from different trust funds the beneficiary is counted twice, and the respective benefit amounts are recorded for each type of benefit.
a. Includes nondisabled widow(er)s aged 60 or older, disabled widow(er)s aged 50 or older, and dependent parents of deceased workers aged 62 or older.
b. A widow(er) or surviving divorced parent caring for the entitled child of a deceased worker who is under age 16 or is disabled.
CONTACT: Hazel P. Jenkins [phone] or [e-mail] for further information.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/policy/docs/quickfacts/stat_snapshot/

Average benefit, $1,064.40 per month. What's to cut?

How dare they cut Social Security?

Do they want to starve and freeze elderly people?

Sorry, You will have to check the link to see the chart clearly. I tried to fix the columns, but couldn't do it.

[grahamhgreen]

39. Pathetic. Spineless. or Sellout, not sure which.

[Touchdown]

43. I guess he took a Tums for the "fire in his belly" he had Thursday.

:cry:

[Ganja Ninja]

47. What's bipartisan about Conrad & Gregg?

A Democratic Republican and a Republican Republican. Do some of you people see the need for purity now? Are you starting to get it yet? How much more of this do you need to see? This is the problem with the "big tent" Democratic Party. We don't have a majority but the general public thinks we do and it's killing us at the polls. We're being done in by the dirt bag GOP infiltrators in the Democratic Party.

[Better Believe It]

48. Do you trust these Senate sponsors of the "bi-partisan" budget commission? Who's behind this.

SENATORS CONRAD AND GREGG INTRODUCE NEW BIPARTISAN FISCAL TASK FORCE LEGISLATION TO CONFRONT NATION’S BUDGET CRISIS
December 9, 2009
Judd Gregg U.S. Senator
Press Release

Washington, DC – Senators Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Judd Gregg (R-NH), chairman and
ranking member, respectively, of the Senate Budget Committee, today introduced new legislation to
create a bipartisan fiscal task force to address the nation’s long-term budget crisis.

“Our nation’s economic future is on the line,” said Chairman Conrad. “We face a perfect
storm of exploding debt, brought on by rising health costs, a retiring baby boom generation, and an
outdated and inefficient revenue system. Now is the time to act. The health reform effort currently
underway will not be enough to solve this problem. And the regular legislative process is simply
not going to get the job done. Our Bipartisan Fiscal Task Force provides a path to a bipartisan
solution that will secure America’s economic strength.”

“Congress feels entitled to spend with a blank check and little regard for the future of our
economic stability,” said Senator Gregg. “We are swimming in a sea of red ink that will drown any
chance our children have for prosperity or even a decent standard of living. It is no longer enough
for Congress to simply talk about reform; it is time for action and leadership. A bipartisan,
fast-track process is the best way to arrive at workable solutions that will get results. We owe it to
the Americans who depend on these retirement and health care programs, as well as our children
who will pay for them, to fix our broken entitlement system and make it affordable once more.”

The Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action Act of 2009 represents an updated
version of the task force bill introduced by Senators Conrad and Gregg in 2007. It is designed to
create a bipartisan legislative solution to the nation’s long-term fiscal imbalance.

“Those who insist there is no crisis are undermining the very programs they seek to protect,”
said Conrad and Gregg. “Both Social Security and Medicare are currently cash negative and
headed for insolvency. We need to reform these programs so they are preserved for current and
future generations. And everything needs to be on the table, including spending and revenues.”

The bill establishes an 18-member task force comprised of ten Democrats and eight
Republicans. The panel would have bipartisan co-chairs. It would consist entirely of
currently-serving members of Congress selected by Democratic and Republican Congressional
leaders, as well as the Treasury Secretary and one other administration official selected by the
President. This means all of the task force members would be directly accountable to the American
people, and bipartisan leadership at the highest levels of the government would be responsible for
the panel’s outcome.

The task force would review all aspects of the current and long-term financial condition of
the federal government. The task force recommendations, which would be submitted to the
Congress after the 2010 elections, would be considered by Congress under expedited procedures
with a vote required.

Importantly, the task force would ensure a bipartisan outcome. Broad bipartisan agreement
would be required to move anything forward. Fourteen of the 18 Task Force members would have
to agree to report the recommendations. And final passage would require supermajorities in both
the Senate and House.

“Our Bipartisan Fiscal Task Force is designed to get results,” said Conrad and Gregg. “The
nation can’t afford another commission whose product just ends up on a shelf somewhere in the
Library of Congress. We believe our task force provides the best chance for developing a lasting
bipartisan solution to this debt crisis. No one party can or will do this on its own. Both parties must
be invested in the outcome and committed to its success. We urge our colleagues to join us in this
effort.”

In addition to Senators Conrad and Gregg, the Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal
Action Act of 2009 was introduced with 25 original co-sponsors, including:

Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) Senator Robert Bennett (R-UT)
Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) Senator Christopher Bond (R-MO)
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS)
Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA)
Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) Senator Bob Corker (R-TN)
Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) Senator John Ensign (R-NV)
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) Senator Michael Enzi (R-WY)
Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX)
Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE)
Senator George LeMieux (R-FL)
Senator George Voinovich (R-OH)
###

http://gregg.senate.gov/news/press/release/?id=4a331dcc-38fe-4f5d-ac43-8d5869adc94f

[Name removed]

49. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Vinca]

50. If anything makes zero sense, this is it. Republicans should be kept

as far away as possible from anything relating to the nation's financial affairs. Hide the Chinese credit card, too. FUCK BIPARTISANSHIP.

[Better Believe It]

51. Senators Gregg and Conrad Applaud Creation of Bipartisan Debt Reduction Task Force

Bipartisan Policy Center To Launch Debt Reduction Task Force
Former Senate Budget Chairman Pete Domenici and Former OMB and CBO Director Alice Rivlin to craft detailed plan to cut unsustainable U.S. debt
Jan. 20, 2010

Urgent Issue for U.S. Economic Competitiveness and Global Standing

Washington, D.C. - The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) will launch its Debt Reduction Task Force, led by former Senator Pete Domenici and Dr. Alice Rivlin, with top budget experts, business and labor leaders, stakeholders, and former elected officials, on Monday, January 25, 2010. BPC Founders and Advisory Board Members Howard Baker, Tom Daschle and Bob Dole will introduce the Domenici-Rivlin Task Force and comment on the economic, political and international implications of America’s growing debt burden.

After providing an overview of the Task Force, former Senate Budget Chairman Domenici (R-NM), and Dr. Rivlin, the first director of the Congressional Budget Office, former Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve Board, and Office of Management and Budget Director during the Clinton Administration, will answer questions from attendees at the Bipartisan Policy Center’s brand new media facility in Washington, D.C. beginning at 10:30AM.

Under the leadership of former Senator Domenici and Dr. Rivlin, the BPC’s Task Force, composed of the nation’s leading budget authorities from both sides of the aisle, will develop a comprehensive and politically-viable plan for consideration by Congress and the Administration. Federal budget expert Charles Konigsberg recently joined the BPC and will direct the Domenici-Rivlin Task Force.

http://www.bipartisanpolicy.org/news/press-releases/2010/01/bipartisan-policy-center-launch-debt-reduction-task-force

-------------------------------------------------

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Conrad and Ranking Member Gregg Applaud Bipartisan Policy Center's Debt Reduction Task Force
WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/

Senators Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Judd Gregg (R-NH) today commended the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) for the launch of its Debt Reduction Task Force, led by former Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) and Dr. Alice Rivlin, former Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Congressional Budget Office, and former Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve Board.

Senators Conrad and Gregg, Chairman and Ranking Member, respectively, of the Senate Budget Committee have been supportive of a bipartisan approach and introduced legislation in December to create a bipartisan task force to address the nation's growing budget crisis. President Obama endorsed the bill on Saturday saying, "The only way to solve our long-term fiscal challenge is to solve it together -- Democrats and Republicans."

The Domenici-Rivlin Task Force – launched today – is composed of the nation's leading budget experts, key stakeholders, and former elected officials. The Task Force will develop a comprehensive, bipartisan plan to stabilize the federal debt.

Chairman Conrad and Ranking Member Gregg released the following statements regarding the Domenici-Rivlin Task Force:

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-ND):

"I commend the Bipartisan Policy Center for taking the initiative to launch its own debt reduction task force. My good friends and former colleagues, Senator Domenici, and former CBO and OMB Director Rivlin, are ideal selections to lead this bipartisan effort. They bring a tremendous amount of insight and knowledge to the table. And they have assembled an outstanding and diverse group of budget and policy experts to work on the panel.

"The burgeoning debt confronting us represents a daunting challenge. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment for our nation. The Bipartisan Policy Center's Debt Reduction Task Force will play an important role in supplementing the work of the Bipartisan Fiscal Task Force I hope to create with Members of Congress and the Administration. I look forward to their bipartisan efforts in the months ahead."

Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Judd Gregg (R-NH):

"The American people clearly understand that unsustainable spending and rising federal debt is a very real threat that will burden our children and grandchildren for generations to come. Senator Pete Domenici and Dr. Alice Rivlin, both long term leaders on the issue of fiscal responsibility, have the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to reverse our fiscal course through their work leading the Bipartisan Policy Center's Debt Reduction Task Force."

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/senate-budget-committee-chairman-conrad-and-ranking-member-gregg-applaud-bipartisan-policy-centers-debt-reduction-task-force-82601317.html

[treestar]

52. Somewhere there is a Republican

Ranting that those Senators are "caving" to Obama.

[last1standing]

53. Real people could be harmed irreparably by this, but you're more concerned about parties.

That's just sickening.

[GOTV]

55. Makes sense. Bipartisanship worked so well for HCR. nt

[Hippo_Tron]

56. In the areas of taxes and entitlements, this commission subverts Senate Finance

I don't know if you noticed, but Senate Finance recommended the most right wing version of health care. I don't see why that committee would have any problem recommending tax increases on the Middle Class or cuts in Social Security/Medicare. The reason they haven't passed is the same reason they won't pass with this "commission", the rank and file aren't willing to vote for either of them. The commission doesn't cover the rank and file from scrutiny, it just subverts the roadblocks put up by committees and committee chairs. I'm pretty certain Max Baucus and the Finance Committee wouldn't be a serious roadblock to reducing Social Security and Medicare.

Honestly I don't think this commission is going to do a thing.

[rudy23]

57. Ever get the feeling you've been completely scammed?

Just wondering.

[Freddie Stubbs]

58. No. Obama ran as a moderate and is governing as a moderate

[Better Believe It]

59. As a DLC or "blue dog" type moderate?

[indepat]

61. Enough to make one wonder is Obama is going to "out-bi-partisanship" junior

that stanchion of courtly bi-partisanship. :P

[Better Believe It]

67. "Blue Dog" Democrats Budget Cutting Plan Praised by House Democratic majority leader Rep. Hoyer

"Blue Dog" Democrats outline fiscal agenda
by Andy Sullivan
January 25, 2010

WASHINGTON, Jan 25 (Reuters) - Conservative-leaning Democrats in the House of Representatives plan to push spending caps and other deficit-cutting measures ahead of the November elections, one of the group's leaders told Reuters on Monday.

Their proposals were outlined shortly before President Barack Obama is expected to emphasize deficit reduction in his State of the Union speech on Wednesday.

The Blue Dogs' plan, provided to Reuters, aims to balance the budget within 10 years and stabilize the national debt at a ratio of 60 percent of gross domestic product, which many experts consider sustainable.

Though the 54 centrist members of the Blue Dog Coalition are outnumbered by liberals in the House, their agenda could play a large role this year as nervous Democrats try to position themselves as responsible stewards of taxpayer money.

The Blue Dog plan drew praise from House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, a frequent ally on fiscal issues.

"The initiatives included in their plan are a welcome addition to the conversation as Democrats remain focused this year on bringing down the deficit," Hoyer said in a statement.

The Blue Dogs have managed to attach some of their proposals to unrelated legislation as a condition of their support.

For example, this week the Senate is expected to vote on their proposal that would require new spending to be offset with cuts elsewhere.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN25202038

----------------------------------------------



Moderate Democrats Call For Balanced Budget In 10 Years
By Corey Boles
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
January 26, 2010

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- Congress should seek to balance the federal budget and reduce the debt-to-gross domestic product ratio to 60% within 10 years, a group of moderate House Democrats said Monday.

A plan released by the fiscally conservative Democrats--the so-called Blue Dogs--calls for a series of austerity measures to rein in federal spending. Many of them are bedrock principles that members of the coalition have sought for many years, but until recently have gathered little support from congressional leadership.

These include the creation of a commission to come up with ways to curtail long-term federal spending and rules to require all new mandatory spending to be offset by cuts elsewhere to the federal budget. The group has also proposed a discretionary spending freeze.

As part of that debate, some of the Blue Dogs ideas, such as the budgetary spending offset--known as "Pay-As-You-Go rules"--and the creation of a fiscal commission, are expected to be voted on by lawmakers.

http://english.capital.gr/news.asp?id=894689

[Better Believe It]

69. Senate votes down budget cutting commission. Good. Now the ball is back in Obama's court

Check out the roll call vote at:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7576236

[Ildem09]

68. Entitlements are off LIMITS!

if the democrats touch them. they will fucking rue the day. you wanna shit get crazy watch Bernie or Al slow the senate to a crawl if they attempt to gut payments.

OTH they need to implement a Value Added Tax a lot of European States do it to generate revenue.it could generate hundreds of billions of dollars if implemented properly, Also its a progressive tax as opposed to a regressive tax like the sales tax

[Better Believe It]

70. Senate votes down commission so back to President Obama's plan A

Signing an executive order setting up a "deficit reduction" commission.